Heavy Rains Expected in Several Counties as Kenya Issues Alert

The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert warning of moderate to heavy rains expected in several parts of the country between December 27 and December 30, 2025, raising concerns over possible flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

In the advisory issued on December 26 at 4pm, the department said parts of the southeastern lowlands are expected to receive more than 20 millimetres of rainfall within 24 hours from December 27.

The rains are forecast to intensify to over 30 millimetres in 24 hours and spread to other regions, including the Highlands West and East of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and southern parts of the Coastal region on December 28 and 29.

According to the department, the rainfall is projected to reduce in intensity by December 30.

Counties listed as areas of concern include Migori, Homa Bay, Kisii, Narok, Kajiado, Makueni, Machakos, Nairobi, Kericho, Bomet, southern parts of Kitui, as well as Taita-Taveta and Kwale counties.

The alert, classified as “expected” in urgency and “moderate to heavy” in severity, carries a moderate probability of occurrence estimated at between 33 and 66 per cent.

Residents in the affected areas have been advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures due to the risk of flooding, especially in low-lying zones, near rivers and in areas with poor drainage.

The department urged the public to closely monitor official weather updates and heed advice from local authorities.

“Residents in all the mentioned areas are advised to be on the lookout for potential floods,” the advisory stated, adding that updates would be issued promptly should there be any changes to the forecast.

The alert has been circulated to key government offices and agencies, including the Presidency, the Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the National Intelligence Service, Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya Ports Authority, Kenya Airports Authority, the National Disaster Operations Centre and the National Disaster Management Unit.

County governments and county directors of meteorological services have also been notified.

The warning comes during the festive season, a period marked by increased travel and outdoor activities, heightening the risk posed by adverse weather conditions. Authorities are expected to coordinate preparedness and response measures to mitigate possible impacts, including flooding, traffic disruptions and damage to infrastructure.

The advisory was issued by Kennedy Thiong’o, the Acting Director of the Kenya Meteorological Department, under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.

Kenyans have been urged to exercise caution, particularly motorists using flood-prone roads and residents living near riverbanks, as the country continues to experience variable weather patterns linked to climate change.